The Neighbor

Chapter Sixteen: Suicidal Friendship

Today is the second day of school for students. Instead of having classes, the school is having a huge, all day, back to school bash. The bash has just entered into it's last hour before school is over. Michael and the rest of the Jackson family are signing items of the students. They were asked to have a signing at the bash to minimize the demands for autographs for the rest of the year. The Jackson's are sharing their signing with another famed face in the music business. Christopher Maurice Brown. They had been talking for hours and have grown into friends. Even though it's the second day, Chris is just starting because he wrapped up his tour Sunday and got back after school was already out Monday. Jubalee is off helping the Principle with the food and drinks, occasionally checking on Michael of course. Bernice on the other hand is not feeling today. While everyone dances and has a good time, she prefers sitting on the bleachers alone...why? Today would've been her parents 15 year wedding anniversary. She didn't want to come to school today but Jermaine insisted that she not sit at home depressed.

"Aye Chris? How you liking it here so far?" Michael asked, taking a break from signing autographs. Chris shrugged. "It's pretty cool so far...hey, who's the cute girl who keep coming to check on you though? She like you or something?" Chris asked starring at Jubalee, admiring her beauty. Michael looked at him and followed his eyes. He held his composure because he knows that Chris has no idea. "...That's my girlfriend, Jubalee. She was an early birthday present." He said clearing his throat to make Chris look towards him and away from JJ. "Oh shit man...I'm sorry. No disrespect." He replied. Michael nodded. "It's cool. You didn't know." Chris looked at Jermaine and sat back. "Aye, you got a girl too man?" He asked. Jermaine nodded. "Yeah. My baby is right over there on the bleachers." He pointed. Chris wiped his face in disbelief. "MAN! Where y'all finding these beautiful ladies at! Hell, I want one too!" He laughed. Michael and Jermaine laughed.

Janet walked over to the table and leaned down to whisper something to Michael, catching Chris's eye. He looked at her and his eyes widened! But then he saw Rebbie and got confused. Both of them were beautiful! "Hello there...you must be Chris...I'm..." "Janet. Who wouldn't recognize such beauty...such talent...such beauty" Chris said, kissing her hand. "How many times you gonna say that shit? SO fucking charming." Michael scoffed under his breath and Jermaine snacked him on his neck. "What's that Michael?" Chris asked with a smile. Michael looked at Jermaine and back at Chris. "Nothing. Thinking out loud." Michael smiled bashfully. The Principle, Mrs. Baxter, walked over to the table and smiled. "Alright you all! The autograph signing his over. You're free to enjoy the rest of the Bash! Thanks to you all!" She said, blowing kisses. Michael and Chris sat there, talking. Getting to know more about each other, admiring each others work, and everything else. Jubalee walked over and waved at Chris before taking her seat on Michael's lap. He kissed her cheek. "How my big birthday boy doing?" She asked with a smile. "I'm fine Kitten...better now though." He blushed. Jubalee nodded and looked at Chris. "Oh! I didn't see you there! I'm Jubalee. Michael's girlfriend. Nice to finally meet you." She smiled. Chris nodded. "Nice to meet you too Jubalee. You've got a great man here." He said sweetly. They started to talk and Jermaine snuck off to grab a bite to eat and to check on B.

Jermaine got some pizza and a few cookies and took them with him to sit with Bernice. "Babe?" He said, taking a bite of his pizza. "Yes love?"She sighed and leaned on his shoulder. "You don't want to even try to talk to anyone or eat something? And why are you so cold?" He asked. She shook her head. "I-I don't k-Knowww..." She dragged.  "When's the last time you ate?" He looked at her and she groaned. "I think y-yesterday m-morning...I just haven't been hungry lately." Jermaine took a bite of his pizza and held the slice to Bernice's mouth. "I don't waaaant it..." She turned her head. "Please? We just got you back eating again B, don't stop now. I know today is harder than it already was for you but you can't waste away." She wiped her eyes and took a bite of the pizza she swallowed and immediately felt sick. She ran to the trash can and threw up. Jermaine followed behind her and caught her just before she fell down, unconscious.